Within days of a motorcycle accident, you’ll likely be contacted by an insurance adjuster who wants to gather information about what happened. They’ll be friendly and ask how you’re feeling, but don’t let your guard down. Remember that they work for the insurance company, and their job is to find reasons to devalue or deny your claim. Anything you say, including seemingly innocent comments, can be used to dispute liability or minimize your injuries. Knowing how to speak with insurance adjusters can help protect your rights.
- Hire a motorcycle accident attorney
If your accident involves serious injuries or disputed liability, the claims process can be complicated. An experienced attorney can help, like bednarzlaw.com. When you have a lawyer, they’ll handle all communications, gather evidence, calculate your damages, and negotiate on your behalf. This is especially helpful if your injuries are permanent or severe, your claim has already been denied or is delayed, you’re being pressured to accept a fast settlement, or there are multiple parties responsible for the crash.
Some insurance companies attempt to place the blame on the injured motorcyclist for driving recklessly even when another driver clearly caused the accident. For example, the adjuster might say you were speeding or you could have avoided the accident. If left undisputed or ineffectively countered, this can reduce your compensation. That’s why it’s essential to have an attorney.
- Don’t discuss the extent of your injuries too soon
Many injuries don’t develop fully until days after an accident. This is especially true for neck, back, and head injuries. If you tell an insurance adjuster that you’re “fine” or “feeling okay,” they can use those statements to argue that you only suffered minor injuries. Instead of discussing how you feel or stating that you’re okay, explain that you’re still being evaluated by medical providers and don’t make any predictions about your recovery. Talk to your lawyer before telling an insurance adjuster anything specific about your symptoms.
Motorcycle accidents often involve significant force that can cause concussions, soft tissue injuries, and internal injuries that aren’t visible right away. If you allow the insurance adjuster to value your case based on an incomplete understanding of your injuries, you’ll miss out on significant compensation.
- Don’t give a recorded statement
Many insurance adjusters ask accident victims to provide a recorded statement. Don’t agree to this. With limited exceptions, it’s not legally required and only serves the insurance company. Keep in mind that the insurance adjuster is only asking you for a recorded statement so they can scrutinize the details and find reasons to devalue or deny your claim. For example, they’ll look for inconsistencies in your stories and reasons to dispute liability.
- Never guess or accept blame
Insurance adjusters are going to ask you questions about what happened. Never guess or speculate. If you’re not sure about a detail, it’s better to say you don’t know. Never say anything like “I may have been going a little fast” or “I didn’t see the other vehicle.” Even if the accident wasn’t your fault, casual remarks can be interpreted as an admission of fault. Avoid speculation and allow the facts to determine what happened.
- Don’t accept an early settlement offer
Insurance companies usually make an early offer that falls far below the value of the claim. They’re hoping you’ll take whatever you can get and disappear. They want to preserve their profits by paying out as little as possible. If you accept a low offer, you won’t be able to ask for more money later if you realize it wasn’t enough. Once you sign off on a settlement, it’s final.
It can seem appealing to accept an offer that looks good, but talk to a lawyer first. They’ll know what your case is actually worth and will tell you if you’re being lowballed. A lawyer will evaluate the offer and compare it to what they know your case is worth. If there’s a discrepancy, they’ll negotiate for a higher amount on your behalf.
- Keep records of every conversation
Maintaining organized records of all communications will make your claim easier to manage. If you need to reference something that was discussed days or weeks prior, having a documented timeline with details will help. Take notes about every conversation you have with the insurance company and include dates, times, names of people you spoke with, claim numbers, and notes summarizing each conversation. This will help you as well as your attorney.
Careful communication protects claims
Speaking with an insurance adjuster after a motorcycle accident can feel stressful. That’s why it’s best to hire an attorney to communicate on your behalf. They’ll help you avoid mistakes that can hurt your claim and protect your interests throughout the claims process.
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